Verstappen confirmed for Nürburgring 24 Hours with Mercedes!

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Max Verstappen will trade his single-seater for a roof and headlights next May when the Dutchman takes part in the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours with Mercedes.

After months of speculation, it has finally been confirmed that the four-time F1 world champion will spearhead a "Verstappen Racing" entry in the grueling event, driving a Red Bull-branded Mercedes-AMG GT3, managed by the powerhouse Winward team.

The endurance classic is set for May 14-17, perfectly tucked into a gap in the F1 calendar. Verstappen will hop out of the GT3 cockpit just in time to fly across the Atlantic for the Canadian Grand Prix the following weekend.

To ensure he’s up to speed, Max and his crew will first tackle the NLS2 race on March 21. In a move that proves just how much pull the world champion has, the event organizers actually shifted the NLS2 date from March 28 specifically to accommodate his schedule, as the original date clashed with the Japanese Grand Prix.

A ‘Bucket List’ Moment

Max isn't just showing up for a Sunday drive; he’s bringing a heavy-hitting squad of Mercedes factory aces – Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella – to ensure that No. 3 car is at the sharp end of the grid.

Having already secured his Nordschleife permit and bagged a win in NLS9 last year, Verstappen is coming in hot and prepared.

“The Nurburgring is a special place," the Dutchman said. "There’s no other track like it.

“The 24h Nurburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now. Last year, I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, that we won."

The champion is clearly focused on the technical grind required to master the world's most dangerous circuit.

"That preparation is very valuable, as we have learned a lot that we can take into our programme this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race.

Read also: Vettel teases dream Le Mans team-up with Verstappen

“We’ve got a strong line-up with Dani, Jules and Lucas and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it’s about putting in the right preparations before the events, so we can maximise everything in the races.”

Whether you're a member of the Orange Army or a Silver Arrows devotee, seeing the Red Bull logo on a Mercedes-AMG at the Nürburgring is going to be one of the visual highlights of the racing year!

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.